The 500-plus-year-old German Advent hymn, "Lo How A Rose E'er Blooming," is not one I grew up singing in church. I had never even heard it until indie musician Sufjan Stevens released his box set "Songs for Christmas" in 2006.
The image of John the Baptist in today's Gospel stands in stark contrast to the secular holiday images that bombard us from every side during this season.
When I reflect on Mary, mother of God, often my admiration and gratitude for her life of fidelity, faith and wisdom cannot be expressed in ordinary words.
